Behind Closed Doors: Denver School Board's Controversial Contract Talks for Superintendent Marrero

Intrigue and accusations of non-transparency have swirled around the Denver School Board, particularly concerning the discussions and eventual extension of Superintendent Alex Marrero's contract. Revelations suggest that the critical early stages of these negotiations unfolded behind a veil of secrecy, raising serious questions about the board's adherence to open meetings laws and its commitment to public accountability.

At the heart of the controversy are allegations that board President Xochitl Gaytan and Vice President Brad Watt engaged in extensive, private communications with Superintendent Marrero regarding his contract.

These discussions reportedly bypassed the full board, leaving several members feeling sidelined and uninformed. This pattern of communication, it is argued, constitutes a series of sequential, non-public meetings that effectively deliberated on public business outside the scrutiny of the Colorado Open Meetings Law.

Internal board dissent quickly came to a head.

Board member Carrie Olson openly expressed her frustration, lamenting that she felt "excluded from this process" and that the board was "repeating mistakes of the past." Olson, along with other members such as Scott Esserman and Michelle Bailey, highlighted the fundamental importance of transparency and the right of the public – and all board members – to be privy to such significant discussions before final decisions are made.

Adding another layer to the complexity, the board simultaneously tackled the settlement of a contentious lawsuit with former Superintendent Susana Cordova.

The district agreed to pay Cordova $300,000 to resolve claims arising from her departure. The handling of this settlement, coupled with the Marrero contract talks, further fueled concerns that critical financial and personnel decisions were being made without adequate public input or full board consensus.

Legal opinions obtained by the board, including one from Denver Public Schools' General Counsel Aaron Thompson, cautioned against the board's practices.

Thompson's advice, while acknowledging the complexities, underscored the need for all members to be involved in deliberations to avoid violating transparency laws. Despite these warnings and the growing internal and external pressure, the majority of the board moved forward.

Ultimately, by a 4-3 vote, the Denver School Board approved a three-year extension for Superintendent Alex Marrero, securing his position through June 30, 2027.

This decision, though finalized in public, was irrevocably tainted by the allegations of pre-deliberation and exclusion. The saga leaves a lingering impression of a board struggling with its commitment to open governance, reminding the community of the delicate balance between effective leadership and transparent, democratic process.

The events surrounding Marrero's contract and the Cordova settlement serve as a stark reminder of the challenges school boards face in maintaining public trust.

As the district moves forward, the community will undoubtedly be watching closely to ensure future decisions are made with the transparency and inclusivity that true public service demands.